Anti-Aging Isn't Just For Skin Care

If you're facing a job change and feeling nervous about how your age will impact your search, don’t despair. It’s time to get aware and be prepared.

GET AWARE

First, it helps to know more about the hiring process from the vantage point of the hiring manager/recruiter. If you tap into the recruiter mindset to understand what they’re looking for, you can position yourself as the best candidate.

The world of recruiting is judgmental. Inherently.

A recruiter’s job is to evaluate candidates for potential fit with one or more roles in their job pipeline. You may already know they are looking at your experience, skills, aptitude, capability, location, compensation requirements, etc.

But, they’re also doing quick math to estimate how many years of experience you bring to the table. Number of years in the workforce can signal more than just the amount of knowledge you bring to the role.

Here’s what they don’t tell you.

If you’re junior in your career, recruiters might be looking for evidence that you lack impulse control, thorough logic skills, professional vocabulary, or finesse.

If you’re rounding out the later third of your career, hiring managers may be wondering if you’re inflexible, unadaptable, intolerant or lack experience with modern technology.

There, I said it. So now that you know, you can blast those biases before they negatively affect your opportunities.

PREPARE

Here’s how to use any age level as an advantage.

More junior?

• Be Interested, Not Just Interesting: Research the company website and social media channels to understand the latest company trends, investments, values and changes. In the interview, show your excitement for what the company is working on by mentioning things you’ve learned that interest you.
• Show tenacity/growth mindedness: If you don’t have a ton of work experience, be ready to give examples of ways you’ve overcome life challenges or proactively sought opportunities to solve problems at school, in internships or volunteering.
• Exude finesse: Draft answers to typical interview questions and practice them with a friend or someone further along in their career to make sure you deliver clearly, without hesitation.
• Show Forethought: Ask thoughtful questions such as, "How can someone in this role make a difference in the company?" or "What do you really hope the person in this role will do to bring value to the team?"

More senior?

• Lead With Energy First: Share how the company values align to your own, or how passionate you are about the work to be done in the role. Your resume shows your years of experience, let your voice illustrate your excitement in order to build rapport with the interviewer.
• Show Innovation: Talk about the latest research you’ve read, classes you’ve taken, or podcasts you’re following. Continuing education is key in showing you’re still evolving and growing as a professional.
• Valuate Your Experience: Prepare stories that illustrate your ability to bring people together, synergize and communicate complex information, or maintain composure during challenging times.
• Exhibit Altruism: Position your depth of knowledge as a value add to the company. Show your willingness to share knowledge and help others who are more junior than you. (Humility is key here, and your message should be service minded.)

The number of years you’ve been in the workforce does inform how you use soft skills in an interview. If you’re a newbie, it shows, and if you’re deeply experienced, it shows. Just use it to your advantage.

Whether you bring extensive experience as a seasoned professional, or you’re just getting started and want to prove you’re ready to contribute, you have a lot to give to the right employer. Now that you’re aware of how a recruiter thinks, you can prepare to showcase your unique skills and knowledge with confidence.

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